They might look like your average cleaning tool but you should trust the name here: These cleaning blocks are kind of magic.
From Mr. Clean's original "magic eraser" to the generic options, eraser cleaning blocks have made cleaning easier, less messy and dare we say...even fun! Sure, these foam blocks can get the gunk off walls (sometimes even upholstery if you're careful) and other household surfaces, but there are so many more uses for these little blocks of heaven.
Quick Tip: Cut up one eraser block into four little blocks. It'll make your purchase last longer, and, it'll make it easier for you to get into smaller nooks and crannies.
(Disclaimer-never use eraser cleaning blocks to clean skin, animal fur, glossy, brushed, satin or dark painted surfaces-including appliances, and lastly, never use on delicate fabrics.)
View the slideshow above for 20 unusual uses for an eraser block to make the most of your cleaning time.
For more unusual cleaners, take a look at 25 Unusual Things You Can Put In the Dishwasher, and Unusual Uses For Dryer Sheets.
Photo Credit: Pyrex Love
Outdoor Furniture and Toys
Take grungy white resin or white painted furniture by lightly scrubbing with an eraser cleaning block. The eraser gets into crevices and cracks while leaving paint finishes intact. The same principle applies to outdoor plastic toys.
Photo Credit: flickr/Winston Furniture
Pool Liners
Pool owners, this will make your life easier: A gentle scrubbing on your liner will get rid of the water mark better than any other product.
Photo Credit: flickr/Christian Lambert
Vinyl
Take an eraser to scuffs on just about anything made from vinyl: siding, boat seats, shoes, etc.
Photo Credit: flickr/risayy
Car Interiors
Clean the car seats with an eraser block: Go lightly on leather, but it's okay on fabric and vinyl, lightly scrub the car steering wheel. Eraser blocks get rid of grease streaks left inside after the car's been to the shop, too.
Photo Credit: flickr/Sami Taipale
Hubcaps
Clean your car's hubcaps with an eraser for a water-free car wash.
Photo Credit: flickr/Daniel Imfeld
Refrigerator
Get rid of last year's drippings that are pooled in the back of the fridge. It'll take a whole eraser block, but it gets the job done. The seals that have gotten a bit black and moldy will also respond well to an eraser.
Photo Credit: Alamy
Dishwasher Interior
What are those colors inside your dishwasher from time to time? Lime, mold, ewww. Just take an eraser to them and the stains will banish.
Photo Credit: flickr/l0b0
Bathtub and Sinks
Getting rid of dirt and water marks is easier (and not so gross) with an eraser block. Bathtubs can take a tough scrub, but go lightly on sinks -- even a light scrub gets rid of that caked on dirt that you often can't see until you try to get it off.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Rust Removal
Scrub anywhere (around pipes in kitchen and bath) that you see rust.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Computer
A magic eraser gets rid of oil and dirt that has built up on your keyboard and mouse; you can use it on laptops, too.
Photo Credit: Alamy
Phones
Use one on your phone's mouthpiece, too -- it gets rid of the same grime that builds up on your computer.
Photo Credit: Alamy
Bugs
Wherever there are smooshed bugs (porch pillars, car windshields, interior walls, exterior doors, exterior light fixtures) wipe them away with an eraser block.
Photo Credit: flickr/paolovalde
Glass Stove Tops
No need to have special stove top cleaner on hand, get rid of burned-on food by lightly scrubbing until the gunk is gone.
Photo Credit: flickr/K Wudrich
Dishes and Glassware
Rub hard-to-clean build-up off of thrift store dishes and glassware, like Pyrex bowls, following advice from the blog Pyrex Love.
Photo Credit: Alamy
Gutters
Get rid of green slime that builds up on gutters with an eraser. It's another ewww-worthy task, but it'll be almost effortless with an eraser.
Photo Credit: flickr/akeg
Mirrors (and Windows)
Many fans of eraser blocks swear it gives them a streak-free and clean mirror, if the pad is slightly damp when you give it a light scrub.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Floors
Erase scuff marks, old paint drips-great for most floors (but always go lightly, especially on finished wood).
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Grout
Which leads us to grout. The eraser does well with most grout (except really old and darkened-beyond-help grout that will remain gray even with best scrubbing efforts).
Photo Credit: jupiterimages
Granite Countertops
Everyone is afraid to scrub granite, but an eraser pad, used at first gently and then with a little more oomph as the stains disappear, will indeed get stubborn stains out of granite.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Leather
You can use and eraser lightly on leather upholstery, purses or shoes to lift up marks -- just be sure to use a gentle touch.
Photo Credit: Alamy
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